5 Little-Known Benefits of Using Purple Drywall in Bathrooms

With their high humidity and moisture levels, bathrooms can be rough on regular drywall. Over time, persistent dampness can cause drywall to warp, grow mold, and require frequent repairs. That's why purple drywall offers a smarter solution for bathrooms. Compared to traditional drywall, purple drywall provides enhanced protection against moisture damage and mold growth.

Developed by National Gypsum, purple drywall gets its name from the purple paper facers used in its construction. While its purple color makes it stand out, its best features are less obvious. Here are five little-known benefits of using purple drywall in bathrooms.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

Since bathrooms tend to be damp, warm environments, they are prone to mold growth. Mold spores thrive in moist conditions and can rapidly multiply on drywall. This leads to ugly black or green mildew stains that are difficult to remove.

Purple drywall resists mold growth thanks to its enhanced binders. These binders prevent mold from taking hold and spreading across the surface. As a result, purple drywall stays cleaner and inhibits mold better than standard drywall.

Where to Use Mold-Resistant Purple Drywall

• Shower and tub surrounds
• Behind sinks and toilets
• On shared bathroom walls
• In basements or anywhere prone to humidity

Moisture and Water Resistance

Along with high humidity, bathrooms also see lots of direct water exposure. Showers, baths, sinks, and toilets all provide sources of splashes and condensation. Over time, moisture penetration can damage paper-faced drywall.

The enhanced paper and core of purple drywall allow it to withstand occasional moisture. Special additives help repel water so it beads up and rolls off the surface. This keeps the inner gypsum core protected.

While purple drywall provides reliable moisture resistance for bathrooms, it should not be confused with waterproof cement board that can withstand direct immersion.

Ideal Areas for Water-Resistant Purple Drywall

• Tub and shower surrounds
• Under bathroom windows prone to condensation
• High humidity rooms like spa bathrooms
• Protecting walls from potential appliance or plumbing leaks

Scratch and Impact Resistance

Bathrooms experience a lot of wear and tear. Their surfaces get bumped by occupants, cleaned frequently, and subjected to high humidity. These conditions can lead to dents, gouges, and scratches in fragile drywall.

The tougher paper facers used in purple drywall stand up better to abrasion and surface damage. They resist scratches from cleaning and minor bumps and dings. National Gypsum's Hi-Impact drywall provides even greater dent resistance.

Matching All Bathroom Surfaces

An important consideration with any bathroom wall material is how it integrates with the rest of the room. Purple drywall is available in a wide range of sizes for seamless coordination.

Full 4x8 sheets can be used to match tub or shower surrounds. Partial 4x5 sheets provide a perfect fit behind toilets and vanities. Smaller panels can be cut to size and matched with tile or glass backsplashes.

Using purple drywall throughout creates a uniform moisture-resistant surface on all walls and ceilings. This provides a seamless look that designers prefer.

Purple Drywall Products for Full Bathroom Coordination

• PURPLE XP Drywall - 4x8, 4x10, 4x12 sheets
• Mold & Moisture Resistant Drywall - 4x8, 4x9, 4x10 sheets
• SoundBreak XP Drywall - 4x8, 4x9, 4x10, 4x12 sheets

Noise Reduction

With their hard surfaces, bathrooms are prone to echoes and noise transmission. Running exhaust fans, water in pipes, and occupants in adjacent rooms can all create unwanted sounds.

Certain purple drywall products like SoundBreak XP incorporate noise reducing technology. They absorb ambient bathroom noise and provide better sound isolation in multifamily dwellings.

This added acoustic benefit makes purple drywall the perfect choice for media bathrooms with built-in TVs and sound systems.

• Shared walls between bathrooms and bedrooms
• Condo and apartment bathrooms
• Media bathrooms with video and audio systems
• Bathroom walls with plumbing runs

Purple drywall provides a unique set of benefits tailored specifically to the conditions found in bathrooms. Its mold, moisture, scratch and noise resistance make it more suitable than regular drywall. While purple drywall does cost more initially, these advantages can lead to savings from fewer repairs down the road. Its extra durability results in walls that stay looker newer longer. For both remodels and new construction, purple drywall is an investment that pays dividends in terms of bathroom performance and aesthetics.